ARMENIAN MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM DEFEATS NIGERIANS WITH A SCORE OF 3 TO 0.5 AT TURIN CHESS OLYMPIAD
Noyan Tapan
May 23 2006
TURIN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian men’s national team defeated
the Nigerian team with a score of 3 to 0.5 in the second tour of
the Chess World Olympiad being held in Turin. After this victory
the Armenian chess-players have gained 6.5 points and share 15-23th
places. In the men’s competitions the only leader is the Russian
national team, which has maximum, 8 points. The Armenian national team
ended the competition with Croatia in a draw, with a score of 1.5 to
1.5 in the women’s competitions. After the second tour the Armenian
women’s national team shares 22-28th places with 4.5 points. And the
teams of China, France, Lithuania and Latvia are in the lead with 6
points each.
The games of the 3rd tour are being held on May 23 at the Olympiad. The
Armenian men’s team is competing with chess-players of Denmark and
the women’s team with the chess-players of Mexico.

STRONGEST ARMENIAN USHUISTS TO TAKE PART IN EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP
Noyan Tapan
May 23 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. A regular Armenian championship of ushu
was held at the Dinamo training ground of Yerevan. Over 260 sportsmen
performed in two competition styles, taolu (exercises without arms and
with different arms) and sanda (single combats). At that, 45 of the
sportsmen were from the neighboring Georgia. It is the second time
the Georgian sportsmen take part in the competition on taolu. The
competitions of sanda-ushu were especially tense.
They were held in 6 age groups. The two-day competitions made clear
what sportsmen will prepare for the Europe Championship to be held
on November 2-12 in the Italian city of Venice. Tigran Chobanian,
Chairman of the Traditional Ushu Federation of Armenia, mentioned
in his interview to Noyan Tapan correspondent that we can expect the
Armenian sportsmen to perform successfully in the sanda competition
style, where Armen Grigorian, Arman Avetisian, Haroutiun Simonian,
Arman Grigorian and world silver medal-winner Felix Smoyan perform
very well. But, according to him, the same cannot be said about the
sportsmen performing in the taolu competition style.

EUROPEAN SICKNESS
Aram Abrahamian
Aravot.am
23 May 06
The fact that the overwhelming majority of TV viewers gave their votes
to the Finnish “Lordi” group in “Eurovision-2006” isn’t accidental
at all.
Certainly we can console ourselves that it was a “protesting” polling;
people have got tired of sweet melodies of pop-music and inclined
to the strong, ” monstrous” appearances. But that inclination is the
epicrisis of a serious sickness. If I would A European I would stop
for a moment and think whether they go in a right way.
Let’s give a simple example; let’s suppose that a person is a
homosexual. It’ s his own business, let him do what he likes at his
own house. He can’t be pursued for it and deprive of his rights or
work. This is the limit of tolerance. But the point is that the modern
Europeans aren’t satisfied with that limit. They think that women and
men of non traditional orientation have a right to organize parades
performing their ugliness in the streets. And it is the infringement
of my rights because I don’t want my children to see demonstrations
of those spiritual invalids.
In the same way, if you are leprous or evil spirits are inside you,
go and receive a treatment or pray at home. But you take you sickness
to the stage knowing that millions of young people suffer from the
same sickness. They even call their ”song” ”Haliluya” /which is
translated from Hebrew ”Praise the God” /. We can affirm that the
“Lordi”-s were praising the Satan. And the mode of “Satanism” in
Europe, which is a dangerous signal.
Today the authorities of Armenia and almost all political powers,
sincere or hypocritical take oaths of faithfulness to European
values. It is a positive process in general; Armenia must indeed
become a state where the best ideas of European thinkers of 17-18
centuries must be embodied. But we must also know the limit and not
to pass the limit of above-mentioned tolerance.
It is known that our officials who sent singers to the ”Eurovision”
have been led by the following principle up to the present day; to
imitate the former winners of that contest. We can say that principle
won in Athens. But we should know the limit in using the approach. We
shouldn’t make for example Inga and Anush Arshakians take on the
masks of leprous and send to Finland.
–Boundary_(ID_PIBgAmbEWPV9HOB4kiVyyw)–

“PHARISAISM”
Anna Israelian
Aravot.am
23 May 06
The oppositionists described in this way the circumstance that the
former members of the coalition taking leave of each other were saying
“Thank you”.
“I declare that I refuse of the post of the NA chairman”,- Tigran
Torosian read Arthur Baghdasarian’s resignation in the parliament
sitting. Then Mr.
Baghdasarian made a speech and thanked to his partners for three-year
joint work. He also mentioned during this speech that the OEP in the
NA hall during last three years has tried to represent its approaches
and positions “in case of every project which opposes the interests
of the people. He also promised for the future; “We’ll criticize each
omission and wrong step from the most radical angle, whoever does it,
the Ra President, Government, each political power and structure. At
the same time, we’ll be for the authority or opposition if they are
good to the people.”
The chairman of the commission of Defense NS and IA Mher Shahgeldian
and the chairman of the commission of Social, Health, Nature protection
Gagik Mkheyan sent in their resignation. They also thanked to the
Parliament for joint work. The NA deputy chairman Tigran Torosian also
thanked. And though it wasn’t greeted with cheers, everything would be
over in this civil and “warm” atmosphere if the oppositionists didn’t
discuss round the NA chairman’s resignation using the opportunity
of making a speech round the agenda. The NA chairman ‘s resignation
isn’t foreseen by the NA code. And NDP leader Shavarsh Kocharian
mentioned that the code didn’t correspond to the situations, which
could be formed in Armenia. “If the third figure of the country sends
in his resignation, producing very serious accusations to the NA that
antidemocratic laws have been adopted then in this case not having the
opportunity of discussing means that the code does only a function;
not allow the political powers to make a normal discussion.” The
secretary of “Justice” group Victor Dallakian mentioned that the fact
of exploding the OEP inside it was very dangerous; so the legislative
authority must remark it. And Hmayak Hovhannisian complained; “Arthur
Baghdasarian says that there is atmosphere of fear in the country, you
thank each other. I don’t understand what a pharisaical atmosphere”.
Later he also added ”the parliament isn’t a collection of noble
girls”.
Tigran Torosian tried to oppose to the attempts of breaking the NA
code in vain; ”I’m sure the OEP has taken a deserving step. And now
each of us must have a deserving position proper to our political
system. He considered discussions unnecessary mentioning that they
won’t have any influence. ”I’m sure that the OEP doesn’t need in
anyone’s defense. And trying to say something and defend is just
a pharisaism”. ”OEP has said whatever it has wanted”. ”People
irrespective of different standpoints must thank to each other for
the joint work”. He also noticed that a lot of people didn’t bear
that trial. ”You must bear, it isn’t our business”, – ADP leader
Aram Sargsian cried.
–Boundary_(ID_VynRQDHZQi0Z4EQ7SuBzqw)–

GAROYAN WRITES HISTORY
;cI D=4&pID=51&s=2
22-05-2006
Marios Garoyan becomes the first Cypriot Armenian to be elected in
the Cyprus Parliament. Garoyan won a seat (Democratic Party (DIKO)
of President Tassos Papadopoulos) in the Nicosia district.
Unfortunately M.Sarkissian (communist AKEL) did not manage to win in
the Limassol disctrict.
Most of the parties comprising the ruling coalition administration
gained ground in Cyprus’ parliamentary elections Sunday, but the
island’s two main rival parties lost seats and a smaller party chief
resigned after he failed to enter the House of Representatives.
In all, 487 candidates challenged the 56 seats in parliament, a mainly
legislative and non-executive body, while the island-state’s president
is elected directly by the people.
The main coalition partner, the communist AKEL, shed 3.4 percentage
points from its voters and polled 31.2 per cent of the votes, entering
parliament with 18 deputies, two less than in the previous assembly,
while the opposition party Democratic Rally (DISY) won 30.3 per cent
of the votes, shedding 3.7 percentage points to lose a seat and will
now have 18 deputies in the House.
The clear winner in these elections is the Democratic Party (DIKO)
of President Tassos Papadopoulos that raised its voter strength
by three percentage points to 17.9 per cent and gained a new seat,
rising to 10 deputies.
Political analysts say that this outcome will also boost Papadopoulos
party which will have enough public support to seek a second term
in office in 2008, while coalition partner AKEL, though still the
biggest party, has now lesser chances of putting forward its own
candidate for president.
The social-democrat EDEK, which has two ministers in Papadopoulos’
present cabinet, also improved despite earlier predictions of a
loss, earning 8.9 per cent of the votes and five seats, gaining one
new deputy.
The European Party (Evroko) – created by four deputies who left DISY
two years ago and merged with the nationalist New Horizons and the
single-seat ADIK – recorded a marginal gain to 5.7 per cent with four
seats in the new parliament.
The Green Party/Ecologist Movement made no gains, ending the day with
1.9 per cent of the vote and just one seat, while the party had been
hopeful it would get a second deputy.
The United Democrats (EDI) of former president George Vassiliou was
the biggest loser of the day, failing to reach the threshold of 1.8
per cent in order to enter the House of Representatives.
The party’s present president, Michalis Papapetrou, handed in his
resignation and called for an early party congress in June to elect
a new leadership.
‘It’s a shame that our policies were not accepted by the public,’
Papapetrou said, referring to EDI’s open support of the United Nations
peace plan, dubbed the Annan Plan, that was rejected by the majority
of the Greek Cypriot community in April 2004.

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I WELCOMES THE ELECTION OF VARTKES MAHDESSIAN
;cID=4&pID=53&s=2
23-05-2006
Antelias, Lebanon – Parliamentary elections in Cyprus on May 21 led to
the election of a new representative of the Cypriot Armenian community
in the country’s parliament.
Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, Catholicosal Vicar to Cyprus, held
a phone conversation with the Pontiff on the evening of May 21 and
informed him that Vartkes Mahdessian has been elected as the new
representative of the Armenian community in the Cypriot parliament.
The newly elected MP then called the Catholicos himself, assuring
him of his readiness to serve the Armenian community of Cyprus.
His Holiness welcomed the election of Mahdessian, granted his
pontifical blessings and advice to the MP. Aram I stressed the
importance of strengthening the integrity and unity of the Armenian
community of Cyprus, encouraging cooperation between its structures,
gathering Armenians around the church and pursuing the interests of
the community with the government.

ATHENS 2006: REACTIONS ON THE RESULTS
esctoday.com, Netherlands
May 23 2006
Apart from one winner, this year’s Eurovision Song Contest also ends
up with 36 countries that didn’t make it. While in some countries,
people are generally positive about the result of ‘their’ Eurovision
Song Contest entrant, others are searching for an explaination of
their falure.
Malta faces its worst Eurovision Song Contest result ever. The one
point from Albania couldn’t keep Fabrizio from its disappointing
last place. Current Maltasong head Robert Abela expressed his
disappointment, while former head Grace Abela fired her critics
towards the committee in favour of her own “ignored suggestions”.
Fabrizio himself blamed his last place to a failing in-ear of one
of his backing vocals. “He couldn’t use it in the last minute, so
sometimes his voice was higher than mine”, Fabrizio said. The young
singer described his result as “one of the most difficult moments”
of his carreer.
Daz, representing the United Kingdom, said that “one of the best acts
won the competition”. Though, to the Manchester Evening News he said
that he has not been able to prove that “politics isn’t in danger
of killing the greatest music competition on earth”, party blaming
political voting for his loss.
Greek representative Anna Vissi, who was tipped to bring Greece its
second victory, didn’t came further than a 9th place. The day after
the contest she could be seen crying in front of cameras while telling
about her loss. Greek top singer Anna Vissi received 128 points from
22 countries, which guarantuees Greece a place in next year’s final.
Norway’s entrant Christine Guldbrandsen came 14th with her ballad
Alvedansen, although the betting odds and fan polls generally predicted
better. “I am not disappointed”, Christine said, though she hoped
for a top-10 position to qualify the next Norwegian entrant for the
2007 final. “I feel good and along the way, the respons has been very
good (…). We gave the best possible performance, we couldn’t have
done better”.
The Armenian delegation was relieved after the final, as Andre brought
the debuting nation an 8th position in the final, therefor qualifying
for the 2007 final as well. “I was so happy when we qualified for
the final, so imagine how we felt when it became clear we made it to
the top-10 in the final”, Armenian delegation head Diana Mnatsakanyan
said to esctoday.com.
In Belgium and the Netherlands, two countries that didn’t make it
to the final, media and viewers are generally negative towards a
continuing involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest. “Sick of
Eurovision Song Contest”, the leading Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf
wrote as frontpage headline this weekend. In Belgium, some even suggest
that Kate Ryan should pay back the EUR 60,000,- she received from
the Flemish government to fund her participation and promotion tour.

ARMENIAN PREMIER: “ARMENIA MAY NOT CLOSE NPP WITHOUT ALTERNATIVE OF EQUAL VALUE”
Regnum, Russia
May 23 2006
“Armenia may not close Metsamorskaya NPP without an alternative of
equal value, because considerable finances are necessary for that,”
Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan stated, answering questions
of Armenian Azg Newspaper’s readers.
According to him, Armenia does not have such possibilities now.
“Talks with interested international organizations are held with the
purpose,” the Armenian prime minister stated.
It is worth reminding that Armenian NPP was handed over under asset
management of Inter RAO UES for five years. RAO UES paid ANPP debts
to Russian providers of nuclear fuel worth $40 millions, which were
partially ($25 millions) compensated by Armenia through handing over
of Sevan-Hrazdan Coordinated Hydroelectric System. The Armenian NPP,
which consists of 2 energy unit (total capacity: 407.5 MWt), was
closed in 1988. Its second unit (407.5 MWt) recommenced functioning
in 1995. European Union insists on full closing of the ANPP. However,
the Armenian government states that it will do it only after the
country will have been provided with alternative energy supply
sources. Armenia estimates program of NPP’s whole closing at $1
billion, while European countries are offering only $100 millions.
Armenia wants to construct an NPP with capacity of 1000 MWt.

ARMENIAN CAA REPRESENTATIVE TO PARTICIPATE IN DECODING A 320 FLIGHT RECORDER IN PARIS
Regnum, Russia
May 23 2006
Security Department’s Inspector of Armenian Civil Aviation’s Main
Directorate (MDCA) Gagik Galstyan is going to visit Paris in order to
participate in Commission on Yerevan-Sochi A 320 Crash Investigation
and decoding of the black box, MDCA Spokesperson Gayane Davtyan
informed a REGNUM correspondent.
According to her, most likely Transport Minister Igor Levitin will
take part in the commission from the Russian side, Airbus Company
representatives – from the French side; Gagik Galstyan is expected
to depart for Paris on May 24.
It is worth reminding that one of two flight data and communication
recorders of Armenian Yerevan-Sochi A 320 plane, crashed on May 3, was
lifted from the Black Sea bed earlier. Armavia Company’s representative
did not confirm discovering of the second flight recorder.

ALIYEV CONSIDERS RELATIONS OF HIS COUNTRY WITH RUSSIA TO BE CONSTRUCTIVE
Regnum, Russia
May 23 2006
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that his country’s
relations with Russia have been developing constructive for the last
time; he made the statement on May 23 at a news conference of GUAM
leaders in Kiev, commenting on relations between the two countries,
a REGNUM correspondent informs.
“If we remember practically the whole period of the 90s, so perhaps
most strained relations in the whole post-Soviet space were developing
between our countries,” Aliyev reminded. “There were then both
blockades and illegal arms trafficking at the price of billions into
Armenia, which occupied the Azerbaijani territory. Now, when it is
time to reconsider these processes, we have been trying to focus on
positive things since 2000. The tactic has produced the result and
there are no questions now, which could cause mutual dissatisfaction
between Russia and Azerbaijan. Commodities turnover has increased
twofold during the last two years.”
Also, Aliyev stressed that for Azerbaijan the GUAM is not an
organization against anybody; it means constructive activity aimed
at promotion of mutually beneficial projects. “New realities and
situations appear in Caspian-Black Seas region and we should be ready
for them. We will initiate ourselves and head reformation processes,
and we consider GUAM as means of effective political and economic
cooperation, development of democratic processes in our region. It
is inevitable, that is why we will actively develop the approach,”
the Azerbaijani president stressed.